In the previous post we saw that depression and anxiety can contribute to clutter in the home. Further, clutter can make depression and anxiety feel much worse. Here, we describe how you can begin to take action to reduce clutter. As the clutter decreases you will feel better – less stress, more confidence to handle things, happier with your environment and more calm.
What’s the first step? The first step is to become aware that there is a problem. The next step is to reach out for help. Neither is easy but both are necessary. If you feel comfortable, talk to a therapist, friend or relative about your desire to declutter. If this is not possible or if you have already tried without success, you should contact a professional organizer.
What’s the first step? The first step is to become aware that there is a problem. The next step is to reach out for help. Neither is easy but both are necessary. If you feel comfortable, talk to a therapist, friend or relative about your desire to declutter. If this is not possible or if you have already tried without success, you should contact a professional organizer.
Many organizers are specially trained to work with chronically disorganized people. Be sure to inquire about specialties and experience. In addition, professional organizers are objective outsiders whose sole purpose is to help you succeed. Where friends or family may be critical of your efforts, a professional organizer offers impartial, expert guidance. We have many tools at our disposal to help a client achieve success: homework, customized reminder, checklist, maintenance plan, or written decision making chart. The work of a professional organizer is always confidential and non-judgmental.
What to expect? During the initial phone consult we encourage a client to identify a few goals for decluttering. Why do you want to make changes? What will the outcome look like? These goals will set the stage for future organizing work. Next, we meet in person to get acquainted and review the spaces to be decluttered. If agreeable, we begin work. We develop a plan of action that outlines how to proceed. The initial tasks involve sorting and decluttering one space at a time. Clients are never pushed beyond their comfort zone. If a certain task seems difficult, we focus on an alternative one for a while, and then return to the problem area later. Time often resolves an issue. Once the decluttering part is done, customized systems are set up so that clutter can be kept at a minimum. Along the way, progress is monitored and each success is celebrated.
Why does it work? An overwhelming amount of clutter can be just that – overwhelming - for everyone but especially for a person who struggles with mental health conditions. We bring the qualities that are in short supply: motivation, energy, focus, direction and a positive attitude. Furthermore, we transfer the skills needed to maintain order. Before long, the client feels more positive and confident in his ability to handle clutter.
Will it work for you? Yes, improvement is definitely possible if you become aware, get help and make an honest attempt. Periodic assistance may be necessary for maintenance but well worth it for your sense of well-being. Though clutter may feel overwhelming, it can be conquered.
What to expect? During the initial phone consult we encourage a client to identify a few goals for decluttering. Why do you want to make changes? What will the outcome look like? These goals will set the stage for future organizing work. Next, we meet in person to get acquainted and review the spaces to be decluttered. If agreeable, we begin work. We develop a plan of action that outlines how to proceed. The initial tasks involve sorting and decluttering one space at a time. Clients are never pushed beyond their comfort zone. If a certain task seems difficult, we focus on an alternative one for a while, and then return to the problem area later. Time often resolves an issue. Once the decluttering part is done, customized systems are set up so that clutter can be kept at a minimum. Along the way, progress is monitored and each success is celebrated.
Why does it work? An overwhelming amount of clutter can be just that – overwhelming - for everyone but especially for a person who struggles with mental health conditions. We bring the qualities that are in short supply: motivation, energy, focus, direction and a positive attitude. Furthermore, we transfer the skills needed to maintain order. Before long, the client feels more positive and confident in his ability to handle clutter.
Will it work for you? Yes, improvement is definitely possible if you become aware, get help and make an honest attempt. Periodic assistance may be necessary for maintenance but well worth it for your sense of well-being. Though clutter may feel overwhelming, it can be conquered.
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